Israeli occupation forces invaded Khan Younis refugee camp in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, wounding at least six Palestinians during clashes with resistance men and destroying four homes, witnesses said. Earlier in the day the occupation found and detonated a large roadside bomb in the area. Two weeks ago, a bomb planted by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas killed four Israeli tank crewmen in the Gaza Strip.

Israel responded to that attack and Hamas's launching of Qassam rockets at a southern Israeli town with a series of raids into Gaza in which some 40 Palestinians many of them civilians were killed.

During the raid the occupation army destroyed four houses. The identities of the owners were not immediately known.

Facing a 29-month-old Palestinian uprising for statehood, Israel has frequently targeted the family homes of resistance bombers in what it calls a bid to discourage attacks on its internationally illegal settlers and occupation soldiers. Palestinians and aid organizations have condemned the measure as collective punishment.

Three Palestinians Arrested in Hebron

Meanwhile, three wanted Palestinians were arrested by Israeli occupation troops in and around the southern West Bank town of Hebron.

Two wanted Palestinians were arrested in Hebron, and a third was picked up in Bani Naim village just outside of the city.

PHOTO CAPTION

Palestinians carry the body of 27-year-old Mohammed Elaloul during his funeral Saturday, March 1, 2003, in Gaza City after he died Friday from wounds sustained during clashes with Israeli soldiers on Feb. 22 in Beit Hanoun. (AP Photo/Karel Pri